Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot by allowing the trainee to initiate a late go-around from a simulated forced landing.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
On August 12, 1995, at 0930 hours mountain standard time, the two pilots of a Pitts S-2B, N540RJ, collided with some brushes during a go-around after a simulated forced landing to a closed dirt airstrip near Phoenix, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions existed at the time for the local instructional flight. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and the two pilots received no injuries. The flight originated from the airport at Scottsdale, Arizona, at 0900.
The instructor pilot stated in a telephone interview that after simulating the forced landing and gliding to 200 feet above ground level, the pilot in the rear seat flying the aircraft initiated a go-around by applying power. The engine seemed to hesitate momentarily and then responded with full power. At this time, the aircraft touched down, followed by the left wing colliding with some bushes. The pilot reported no other mechanical problems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX95LA293